I AM BCU
We have a confident, proud and diverse community of students at our School of Health Sciences, who are striving to achieve their career goals and transform their lives. Read just some of their stories here.
Greg Downes
Sports Therapy - BSc (Hons)
Greg never saw himself attending university while growing up in Australia. He planned to pursue a career here in the UK as a professional footballer. When an injury ended his dream, he wanted to do something to help others experiencing the same thing, so decided to apply for our BSc Sports Therapy course to tackle injury management. Since then, he has embraced the opportunities BCU has given him to achieve his goals in his chosen career.
Jamie Deegan
Radiotherapy - BSc (Hons)
Jamie had dreamed about attending university since he was young. After attending an Open Day at BCU, he decided to step out of his comfort zone and leave his home in Ireland. He is now enjoying his degree and fulfilling his dream of helping patients with cancer.
Mahdiyah Zaynab Bandali
Paramedic Science - BSc (Hons)
Whether she’s delivering babies on the road or learning how to deal with cardiac arrest patients, no two days are the same for Mahdiyah. After her initial plans to study Medicine didn’t work out, Mahdiyah decided to pursue Paramedic Science and hasn’t looked back. Ever since she has praised the University for the non-stop support she has received and the exciting placements she has completed. Now, she would like to go on to encourage other ethnic minorities to take on these roles in the industry to help these communities feel more represented and safe.
Paige Jones
Cardiac Care (Professional Practice)
After studying her undergraduate degree in operating department practice (ODP), Paige had a passion to develop her specialism further within her role as anaesthetic ODP in cardiac theatres. So, she started our professional practice course in cardiac care, and has been excelling in her role since with a boost in confidence.
Ross McWalter
Speech and Language Therapy - BSc (Hons)
Ross wanted to help people with a stutter like himself and become a speech and language therapist. Having been unsure about the prospect of university, he came to BCU knowing that the University was the only institution to offer a speech and language course in the Midlands. He’s now gone on to achieve great success and seen a real improvement in his attitude towards learning.
Savannah Sturridge
Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
Savannah has been interested in respiratory health in relation to exercise from a young age, after frequent short-term illnesses disrupted her participation in sport. She now thanks Birmingham City University for giving her the confidence and direction to continue her passion for sport in an alternative way.
Avital Prais
Sport and Exercise Nutrition - BSc (Hons)
Avital didn't know what she wanted in life when she applied to university, and has gone on a journey to study three courses in the space of three years to really find her passion. She could not be happier now and has transformed into a confident student with new personal and academic skills.
Carl Dowling
Paramedic Science - BSc (Hons)
Carl had been working in the ambulance sector for eight years before he came to university. He came under the harsh realisation that he wasn’t going to be able to progress through the NHS due to lack of qualifications, but he also didn’t have the grades he needed to apply for a degree. He studied hard to meet the entry requirements and finally made it to BCU to further his skills and knowledge to save even more lives!
Pooja Kaur
Paramedic Science - BSc (Hons)
Pooja wanted a career working with people and knew that she’d need to go to university to achieve that. Her first challenge was persuading her family that it was the right choice for her. Now, with their approval, she’s embracing living away from home, juggling study and placements, and preparing to be a trustworthy and knowledgeable paramedic.